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A new HHS initiative aims to expand patients' access to EHRs, mobile health applications and devices, and secure electronic messaging between patients and providers, according to an article published in the journal Health Affairs. "Engaged patients ... are more likely than others to participate in preventive and healthy practices, self-manage their conditions and achieve better outcomes," National HIT Coordinator Farzad Mostashari said.

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A national campaign was unveiled by Dr. Farzad Mostashari, former national HIT coordinator, at Health Datapalooza last week to boost patients' access to their health information. To back the Data Independence Day that will be held on July 4, Mostashari has developed the getmyhealthdata.org site to gather signatures. Supporters of the effort include former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra and former ONC Office of Consumer eHealth Director Lygeia Ricciardi.

The U.S. is about halfway through digitizing the nation's health facilities and about 5% of the way through transforming workflows to leverage this IT infrastructure, National HIT Coordinator Dr. Farzad Mostashari said at a recent HIT Policy Committee meeting. Mostashari offered three ways to redesign the health system in order to realize gains from IT, starting with enhancing patient engagement.

A dozen accountable care organizations across Florida have joined forces to create the Florida Association of ACOs, with the goal of working together to expand and thrive. The association's members will work to align their objectives for patient outcomes and doctor incentives.

HHS announced plans to create a broad shift to a less hierarchical health care system, giving patients and families a greater role in their own care. A new initiative aims to expand patients' access to EHRs, mobile health applications and devices, and secure electronic messaging between patients and providers, according to an article published in the journal Health Affairs. "Engaged patients ... are more likely than others to participate in preventive and healthy practices, self-manage their conditions and achieve better outcomes," said National Health IT Coordinator Dr. Farzad Mostashari.

Four Republican congressmen sent a letter asking HHS to defer incentive payments and penalties under stage 2 of the meaningful use program until the interoperability standards have been clearly defined. National HIT Coordinator Dr. Farzad Mostashari, however, said providers already have made plans and expect to receive the incentives. "This is a commitment that we cannot lightly pull back," he said.